Offers a unique approach to helping women overcome some of the problems they face with their use of tobacco. Provides help to women who want to reduce the amount they smoke, quit smoking, learn more about why they smoke, and learn ways to relax and cope without smoking. Inspires women to ask why did she start smoking, what purpose does smoking serve, can she learn to live happily without her cigarettes, and does quitting smoking really matter.

Catching Our Breath: A Guide for Facilitators is a companion to the self-help book Catching Our Breath: A Journal About Change for Women Who Smoke. Together, the Journal and the Facilitators' Guide represent an effort to develop a program for women who smoke and who want information on women and smoking, and are seeking the support they need to quit. This guide provides: (1) a description of what we mean by a feminist approach to smoking cessation groups; (2) an overview of basic facilitation and group process skills and techniques; (3) suggestions on how to create a group, including a list of the tools and materials you'll need; and (4) a detailed outline, including agendas for a nine session cessation group (facilitated over eight weeks). The Journal and the Guide offer an alternative model to smoking and smoking cessation --- one which is woman-centered, flexible and embodies a feminist view of women and society. This model clearly recognizes the differences that exist between women's and men's smoking patterns and strives to restore the power of participants to heal themselves in a positive, affirming way.

Aims at improving the overall health and quality of life of Canadians by reducing tobacco-caused illness and death through a balance of prevention (helping non-smokers to remain smoke-free), protection (protecting the health and rights of non-smokers) and cessation initiatives (encouraging and helping those who want to quit).

Provides a guide for teens on how to quit smoking. Explains why you should quit smoking, what you can do to prepare yourself when you've decided to quit, what you can do so you won't smoke again, explains how you will feel when quiting and what happens if you really start smoking again.

Analyzes recent national survey data to examine trends and patterns in smoking among Canadian women. Reviews relevant literature focusing on the different influences on smoking cessation and various cessation methods. Reports on a qualitative focus group study investigating issues related to women and smoking cessation.